Speech synthesizer timepiece with alarm function

Abstract

A timepiece is disclosed which is capable of delivering an alarm sound or message when an alarm time setting is reached. The timepiece further includes an output mode selector for selecting a sound mode for deliverying the alarm sound or alarm message and a silence mode for inhibiting the delivery of the alarm sound or message. Also included is an alarm time announcement output circuit responsive to the output mode selector for delivering an audible indication of an alarm setting time in the form of synthesized human voices when the selector is switched to the sound mode.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A timepiece capable of delivering an alarm sound or message when an alarm time setting is reached, said timepiece comprising: an output mode selector for selecting one of at least three modes of output for said timepiece;   means for periodically delivering audible announcements of time when said timepiece is in a first of said at least three modes;   alarm time announcement means responsive to said output mode selector for delivering an audible indication of an alarm time setting in the form of synthesized voices when said timepiece is in a second of said at least three modes; and   means for delivering a visual display of the alarm time setting when said timepiece is in a third of said at least three modes.   
     
     
       2. A timepiece as set forth in claim 1, wherein no periodic announcements of time are delivered when said timepiece is in said second mode. 
     
     
       3. A timepiece as set forth in claim 1 wherein said alarm message is delivered in the form of synthesized human voices. 
     
     
       4. A timepiece as set forth in claim 1 wherein said synthesized human voices are developed from a speech synthesizer comprising a memory containing sound-related data.